-- WHEN THE SCARLET KNIGHTS HAVE THE BALL: It doesn't take a creative offensive coordinator to come up with a game plan against the 'Canes. Run it up the middle until they prove they can stop it. It's the worst-kept secret in college football. Some power plays, some traps, some counters. That's all it has taken so far this season. Rutgers has the manpower to do it with tailback Terrell Willis, the Big East's leading rusher at 130.8 yards per game. Quarterback Ray Lucas will try to mix in some throws to tight end Marco Battaglia, who leads the league in receiving with eight catches per game. Lucas has been erratic when pressured, throwing seven interceptions to just two touchdowns.

-- WHEN THE HURRICANES HAVE THE BALL: The 'Canes haven't looked anything like the Dallas Cowboys, the offense on which they've based their attack. With a new offense and two new quarterbacks running it, things seem scaled back. The 'Canes have not been clever or effective. Of course, it's hard to be either when the offensive line is breaking down and jumping offside. The 'Canes were conservative in their loss to Florida State with sophomore QB Ryan Clement at the helm and second-year freshman Scott Covington in the wings. Receivers Yatil Green and Jammi German have one TD between them. The offense has scored just three TDs in the three losses.

-- EXTRA POINTS: UM's 1955 and 1970 classes are having reunions at the game. ... UM basketball coach Leonard Hamilton will be honored for last season's Big East and UPI National Coach of the Year awards at halftime.